To test if the thermostat is stuck open, start the engine from cold a feel the top hose, if it warms straight away then the thermostat is stuck open, if it stays cold for 5 mins or more then its working fine.

To test if the thermostat is stuck open, start the engine from cold a feel the top hose, if it warms straight away then the thermostat is stuck open, if it stays cold for 5 mins or more then its working fine.

Cheers will try when engine cool first thing in morning. What top hose to be sure im checking correct one?

I have run the car for ages on the drive and the rad pipe never gets hot. The pipes to the heater matrix get warm, but that it?

Could something else be the cause?

Sounds like you more than likely have an air lock in the coolant system....simple cure...and don't mean to state the obvious, but do this when the engine is cold!... remove the rad or expansion cap, make certain that the heater is set to max hot, and start the car....observe the water level, it should rise and fall slightly and emit the odd bubble of air....you can also rev the engine a little so that once the thermostat opens you can clear out any air in the system quicker. Once the level has settled, and you are certain that the thermostat is open, turn off the engine, and leave with the rad/expansion cap off for 5 - 10 min...as it cools more air should escape, hopefully....top up your level replace the cap and you should be ok.

Sounds like you more than likely have an air lock in the coolant system....simple cure...and don't mean to state the obvious, but do this when the engine is cold!... remove the rad or expansion cap, make certain that the heater is set to max hot, and start the car....observe the water level, it should rise and fall slightly and emit the odd bubble of air....you can also rev the engine a little so that once the thermostat opens you can clear out any air in the system quicker. Once the level has settled, and you are certain that the thermostat is open, turn off the engine, and leave with the rad/expansion cap off for 5 - 10 min...as it cools more air should escape, hopefully....top up your level replace the cap and you should be ok.

I have been for a drive today and it looks like the problem is not a problem after all? I read the owners manual and it states that under normal conditions it will stay in the centre area. That is what it is doing!